Locatable dielectric optical fiber cable having easily removable locating element

Abstract

The present invention provides a dielectric optical fiber cable which is capable of being remotely detected while buried. Specifically, this invention incorporates a detectable and easily removable locating element which is attached to the optical fiber cable by a web defined by the jacket extending over both the optical fiber cable and the locating element. The web allows for the locating strand to be easily removed once separation of the locating element from the optical fiber cable is initiated. The web is designed to allow the initial tear to propagate into a precise longitudinal tear along a predetermined length of the optical fiber cable.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This invention relates to a locatable optical fiber cable. More particularly, the optical fiber cable of the invention has an easily removable locating element which is engineered to allow for propagation on a precise longitudinal tear once separation of the locating element from the optical fiber cable is initiated.RELATED ART[0002]Prior art consists of fiber cable designs that incorporate locating elements within the cable structure. The locating elements are typically conductive elements such as copper wires, steel or aluminum shields applied to the cable sheath, or metallic strength elements. Any conductive elements incorporated into the cable structure must be grounded at the terminal ends of the cable for safety reasons. Conductive elements are prone to carry induced currents, which are potentially lethal, due to proximity to power lines above and below ground. Conductive elements are also prone to damage from lightning strikes to ground. Prior art cable i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an optical fiber cable with a removable locating element that can be easily detected while buried. The locating element is detachably connected to the cable and is designed to be torn open along the length of the cable with a precise longitudinal tear, while maintaining adequate jacket material coverage for both the cable and the locating element. This allows for easy and remote detection of the optical fiber cable. The cable is designed to be easily detached from the locating element and can be used with both electrical and magnetic locating equipment."

Problems solved by technology

Conductive elements are prone to carry induced currents, which are potentially lethal, due to proximity to power lines above and below ground.

Conductive elements are also prone to damage from lightning strikes to ground.

The challenges with magnetically locatable cables continue to be: (1) lack of reliable locating equipment; (2) the ability to accurately locate the cable is prone to errors depending on soil type, soil conditions, and soil content (i.e. density, content of iron bearing particles or rocks, etc.); and (3) cable proximity to other cables, particularly cables which induce magnetic fields such as power cables.

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